Sally Wainwright’s latest drama, Riot Women, premiered on BBC1 with an intense and captivating opening scene featuring a middle-aged woman poised on a stool with a blue nylon noose around her neck. Such a striking image guarantees that viewers will remain glued to their screens, eager to uncover the story behind this desperate act.
The show bursts forth with the kind of unrelenting energy that keeps audiences engaged, reminiscent of a pneumatic jackhammer. Wainwright, renowned for her ability to delve into complex female emotions and narratives, tackles the theme of midlife female rage with unflinching honesty. This rage is born out of years of caretaking and sacrifice, only to confront the stark reality that little remains for oneself in the twilight years.
The protagonist, Beth, portrayed beautifully by Joanna Scanlan, embodies the struggles faced by many women in similar circumstances. On the brink of desperation, she contemplates suicide, overwhelmed by feelings of neglect and loss. With a husband who has left, a son who seldom communicates, and the stress of a thankless teaching job, her life is compounded by the painful reality of her mother’s advanced dementia. Moreover, the specter of menopause overshadows her existence, adding to her sense of invisibility in a world that has overlooked her for far too long.
Riot Women promises to explore the depths of female rage, offering a raw and relatable portrayal of the challenges faced by women navigating midlife. It is a poignant reminder of the invisible battles many fight daily, making it a compelling watch.